Friday, July 29, 2011

I've been busy as you can imagine. Finished my revisions and sent it in. Then revised the ending again on my editor's recommendation. Everything she pointed out and I changed made it so much better. Sent in the first chapter of the second book, so it can be placed in the back of the first book. Sent in my dedication and acknowledgements.

Now I'm waiting to see what my cover looks like and I know it's going to be awesome.

I do have a new title. CIRCLE OF DESIRE!

And a release date. October 18!

Keep your fingers crossed for me that the editor will like my second book's storyline.

Monday, July 25, 2011

I just came across an article on RT Book Reviews with my name and talking about my book. They say, "With our column, Forewords, we let readers know the latest book news about some of the web team's most-anticipated upcoming releases across the genres - just as the projects are announced!"

They mention me and the book under PIQUING OUR CURIOSITY, Romantic Suspense. So awesome!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

I can't tell you how many times I've sat next to someone at a table during a conference or workshop and a person on one side or both will turn their backs to me. They want to talk to their friend and no one else. They'll glance at you and quickly decide you're no one important.

Well, all I can say is be careful if you do that. A few years ago, a woman sat next to me at a conference who looked like any regular overweight, middle age writer a person can find (like me). Nothing special looking (like me). At first, she was a little quiet, but a new friend (made at that conference) and I started talking to her. Turned out she was the late Kate Duffy. Yes. The famous Kensington editor who helped romance novels to become what they are today. Click on her name to find out about her if you don't already know.

She was wonderful, friendly and oh, so kind. I had so wanted to work with her. (Though I have to say I love working with my Avon Impulse editor. She's wonderful, kind and smart. Yes. I'm a little bias. She did pick me out of the slush pile.)

So next time you sit next to someone at a writers' function, be nice, friendly. It may pay off. They may even be someone important or someone you will later be happy to say you know personally.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Still in the middle of revisions, but wanted to say, I have found if you want something bad enough it will happen. But you have to be open for it to happen. You have to understand you will get what you want but maybe not how you thought it would happen. Like I said you just have to want it bad enough.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Between working 10-11 hours at my day job and revisions on my first book, I don't have much time for anything else. So stay tuned. I should be back soon. Something has to give soon and I vote for the day job as in going back to the regular 8 hrs.

Hopefully I'll have all kinds of interesting news. Plus I hope to have time on the weekends to leave little notes here.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Most of my life I've heard "older" people say, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." I beg to differ.

At the age of 42 and after 20 years of service, I was laid off from where I worked. When I started my new job, I struggled to learn so many things as quickly as possible. Hey, I had to even learn where the restroom was and how to answer the phone. Every company has it's own way and system. What I found was that I could learn new stuff but had a problem forgetting the old. It would creep up at the strangest times. Like answering the phone. Once I answered with the old company's name and many times the old one would almost leave my lips.

So to me, learning new things is easy. It's all to do with the willingness to do so.

When it comes to my writing I believe the same to be true. No matter if you're a NYT best selling author, you can always learn something new, something to improve your writing one step higher than before, to keep you current.

A couple years ago, I read a book from an old favorite author. I was shocked to realize she wrote the same way she did twenty years ago. Maybe the book was one she had hid underneath her bed. Well, it should've stayed there.

We don't write like people did in the 1800's (Pride And Prejudice) and I'm glad. I like the action packed, highly emotional writing of the 2000's.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

The other day I received comments from a contest's final judge who is an editor for a large publishing house. She said, "Well-written, intriguing, a little dark, and very sexy!" And "Nice, attention grabbing opening." She had requested the first three chapters. The contest required only 15 pages to enter.

Made me feel good. I know it's sad that I still need more back-patting, but one thing about most authors, especially newbies, we're very insecure.

About Me

Carla Swafford loves romance novels, action/adventure movies and men, and her books reflect that. Plus she's a rare creature in the Deep South, she loves hockey. Carla's married to her high school sweetheart and lives in Alabama.